EVENT - Generation Beauty Toronto 2017 Recap [PART II]

As I mentioned in my previous GenBeauty post, this one will be all about the vendor booths! I managed to complete my list and attend all the booths at the event because I went for the whole time both days and only went to the booths – no Meet and Greets. On Saturday, I went with Nancy, Melanie, Steph and Zaibii. We didn’t line up for Meet and Greets, but we did go to the Ipsy Lounge for a couple minutes when Michelle Phan got there. We also went out to lunch at a restaurant, which could have substituted a quick Meet and Greet. On Sunday, I went solo and basically ran for the remaining booths on my list. Otherwise, it was almost impossible to tackle all the booths while meeting your favourite YouTuber(s) in the allotted time.

The long lineups for the booths were affected by a variety of factors, some due to popularity while others due to activities. I think a lot of the lines took a bit because there were so many things to do in order to get swag (ie. follow the brand on Instagram, post a selfie with x&y hashtags etc.) Some of the activities were optional and used to extra products from some booths, while at others it was mandatory to get the one item. With that being said, you basically need a data plan. GenBeauty offers free wifi, but it’s so slow. Halfway through Saturday, I turned off my wifi and didn’t even bother to connect on Sunday.

Lineups were constantly closing and opening because it was so busy – basically when a line went past the taped lineups mapped on the floor, the line closed down. Meanwhile, some booths closed up their lines for scheduled Meet and Greets at the booth. Lines also closed early towards the end of the day, about an hour before closing time. In terms of stock, GlamGlow had to close lines temporarily and restock, and Dirty Little Secrets closed for the rest of the day on Saturday. However, on Sunday, quite a bit of booths ran out of stock before close at 3pm (Briogeo, Soo Ae, Purlisse and a couple others).

Below, I’m going to list which booths I went to on each day and the product(s) received and the activities at each booth.

Day1:

Benefit

Browvo! Conditioning Primer (0.9ml, $11.40)

Activity: None

Briogeo

Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask (1oz, $12.00)

[Customized with 2 oils of choice, I chose Macadamia and Argan]

Activity: Follow on Instagram

Ciate London

Liquid Velvet Lipstick in Swoon (2ml, $7.08)

Fierce Flicks Liquid Eyeliner ($24.70*)

Activity: Presentation of products, follow on Instagram

Covergirl

Katy Kat Eye Liner in Kitty Kadabra ($10.00)

Activity: Spin the Wheel (iPad)

Derma E

Headband

Vitamin C Renewing Moisturizer (0.05oz, $0.78)

Vitamin C Concentrated Serum (0.05oz, $0.85)

Radiant Glow Face Oil Jojoba, Argan & Seabuckthorn Oils(**) ($45.00)

Illuminating Rosehip & Cranberry Face Oil (**) ($33.00)

Activity: Follow on Instagram

Additional: Take and post selfie with hashtags for a chance to win an hourly prize, and one winner would be chosen to win the bike itself. Coupon: 20% off Derma E on Well.ca using DERMAE20

Additional: Take and post selfie with hashtags for the lip balm and get a touch up for the eye shadow duo

Pop Beauty

Essential Brush Trio ($19.50*)

Face Magnet Primer ($33.80*)

Kajal Pen in Inky Purple ($13.00*)

Stain Stay Lip Stain in Poppy Kiss (**) ($20.80*)

Activity: Follow on Instagram for the eyeliner

Additional: Take and post selfie with hashtags for the primer and get a touch up for the brushes

Royal & Langnickel

Complexion Brush ($10.40*)

Activity: Follow on Instagram, Spin the Wheel

Total Value: $615.57

*Prices were converted from USD to CAD at 1.30 **Products won in a giveaway

There were some definitely disappointing booths at GenBeauty, where the line up was so not worth it, so you really have to pick and choose your battles. Smashbox was highly disappointing because they gave out a primer sample compared to a full sized one last year, but they offered some pretty glam lip makeovers. Also, last year, you claimed your booth swag using tear off stubs, allowing you and your friends to divide and conquer. This year they created a Bingo card where brands would cross their name out, making a bit hard to do so. All in all, I had a really fun time - especially since I got to spend the day hanging out with some friends while there. It's definitely worth going if you're a beauty lover, especially if you like some of these U.S exclusive brands because they offer some pretty good discounts on their products here as well.

Stay tuned for an upcoming giveaway featuring some of the products I received at GenBeauty! :)